THE CARPET SHELI.. 



185 



of 



or less. The engraving shows a reduced figure 

 one of these fine shells. 



Saxidomtcs sqitalidiis^ Desh., squaF-i-dus, is con- 

 sidered by some as a variety of the last species. It is 

 found off the coast of Oregon, and is sold in the mar- 

 kets of Portland. It is smaller than NtcitaHn^ qmA 

 has a smoother shell ; in other respects it is very sim- 

 ilar, lycngth nearly three inches, height two inches, 

 and breadth an inch and a half. 



Tapes staminea^ Conr., Ta'-pes sta-min'e-a, Fig. 

 158, Carpet Shell. In the markets of San Francisco 

 may be found excellent specimens of this species, 

 where it is sold as the "Hard-shelled Clam." 

 Tomales bay furnishes a good part of the supply, 

 though it abounds all along the coast. There are 

 numerous varieties, some of which are white, while 

 the shells of others are very prettily marked with 

 reddish brown chevrons. 



The valves of the shell are rounded, full, strong, 

 and marked by numerous narrow, radiating ribs, 

 which are crossed and cut by successive lines of 



growth. Hinge-teeth 



strong, ligament external, 



pallial sinus reaching to 



the middle of the shell. 



These mollusks burrow 



in stony places, and as 



you go along the beach 



at low tide, there comes 



up a jet of water here and 



there, showing that the 



up his door, and is wait- 



The length of these shells 



varies from an inch to nearly three inches. 



-t-ig- 



frisky mollusk is shutting 

 ing for the returning tide. 



